Tottenham could be eyeing up FC Seoul’s Kang Sung-jin, according to reports.
Tottenham’s new manager, Ange Postecoglou, who has an affinity for Asian players, is said to have put Kang on his list of potential targets when he took over at Celtic in Scotland.
On the 10th, British media outlet ‘The Bootroom’ claimed this, citing a report in the Sunday Mirror on the same day.
Kang was born in 2003 and made his first-team debut at the age of 17 years, 11 months and 12 days in a K League 1 match against Seongnam in March 2021 while still a student at Seoul youth team Osango, breaking the record for the youngest K League 1 appearance by current Celtic striker Oh Hyun-gyu.
Last season, Kang made 34 appearances (24 starts) and increased his stock. His main position is on the right wing, and despite being eligible for the U-22s, he was never substituted early in the first half.
In 2023, he fell out of favor, making just two K League 1 appearances and one FA Cup appearance, but that was largely due to his participation in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-20 Championship in March and the U-20 World Cup currently underway in Argentina. At the U-20 World Cup, Kang played in all five games except for the semifinal against Italy.
“He has now scored a few goals in K League 1, but is considered one of the names to watch out for in the future,” The Boot Room said. “Nevertheless, the Sunday Mirror reported that he is considered one of the most exciting talents in the world, and is said to be a player Tottenham have been eyeing before.”
Furthermore, it was revealed that Postecoglou was aware of the player’s existence. “Celtic, where Postecoglou worked, were also monitoring the South Korean youngster,” says The Boot Room. With the appointment of Postecoglou, Tottenham can now increase their interest in him (Kang),” the report added.
Australian coach Postecoglou had up to six Japanese players at Celtic in the 2022/23 season. South Korean striker Oh Hyun-gyu and Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy were among them. 토토사이트
The media outlet continued: “It would be a huge blow for Celtic to lose Kang Sung-jin. Celtic have been incredibly successful in bringing in players from the Asian market over the past few years, but they face an uphill battle against a man they (Celtic) loved (Postecoglou),” adding that Tottenham and Celtic could compete for Kang.
Kang, who has been praised for his talent in Korean soccer, having reached the K League 1 stage before graduating from high school, is expected to receive more attention from the British media.
However, it is unlikely that Kang will be able to get a work permit for the Premier League. On the other hand, it will be easier for him to get a work permit in the Scottish Premiership, where Celtic is a member.